Banking/Currency
Decimal currency is used in Australia with the dollar as the basic unit (100 cents = $1). Notes come in $100, $50, $20, $10, and $5.  Coins come in 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1 and $2 denominations. 

Currency exchange facilities are available in most banks, hotels and airports and operate normal business hours.  Credit cards are accepted at most restaurants and shops, the most widely used being Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Diners Club.

Business hours
Banks generally open from 0930 - 1600 hours Monday - Friday.  General office hours are 0900 - 1700 Monday - Friday.  Post Offices operate these hours, however stamps are often available from hotels.

Climate and clothing
July is winter and the temperature range is between 5°C to 10 °C.

Dress is informal and relaxed on most occasions. We suggest you bring a jacket and tie with you for special occasions.  A jacket is recommended for evenings. Please refer to the information on the social program for dress at social functions organised as part of the Conference.

Eating out
Bistros, restaurants, cafes and coffee shops offer varied menus, prices and decor. Local specialties such as seafood and Australian wines are worth trying. At some restaurants you can keep the liquor bill down by taking your own wine or beer. These are called "BYO" restaurants, an abbreviation for "bring your own".

Electricity
Electrical current is 240/250V, AC 50Hz.  The Australian three-pin power outlet is different from that in many countries, so you will need an adaptor.  If your appliances are 110V, check if there is a 110/240V switch.  If not, you will need a voltage converter.  Universal outlets for 240V or 110V shavers are usually found in leading hotels.

Goods & Services Tax (GST) / Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS)
Since 1 July 2000, Australia has adopted a new taxation system incorporating the Goods & Services Tax (GST). All prices quoted in this brochure are inclusive of GST, unless otherwise specified.

As part of this taxation system, the Australian Government introduced the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS). The scheme is administered by the Australian Customs Department and took effect on 1 July 2000. The TRS enables travellers departing Australia to claim a refund of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) paid on goods bought in Australia. The refund applies to goods over the value of A$300 when items are purchased in the same shop within 30 days of your departure from Australia.  Should an item be too large to take onto the aircraft as hand luggage you will need to visit the TRS clearing office at the international airport with the item and receipt.  The receipt will be stamped TRS sited and at that point you can check the large item in with your luggage.  Once you have cleared customs you can collect your refund from the TRS desk by showing your receipt or items purchased.  It does not apply to services or goods consumed or partly consumed in Australia, however the goods can be used before departing Australia.

Language
The official language for the symposium is English.  

Passport & Visa
All travellers to Australia, other than New Zealand, require a valid entry VISA prior to travel to Australia.  For many nationalities (29 in total) an Electronic Visa or Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) can be obtained from your travel agent or airline when making your travel arrangements.  Please see your travel agent or airline for further details.

Quarantine
Australia is free from many plant and animal diseases prevalent in other countries.  Very strict quarantine rules apply to the import of animals and plants, which cannot be brought into the country without prior application.  Animal and plant products are also restricted.

For more information see the 'Information for International Travelers' on the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) website, which you can access by visiting http://www.affa.gov.au

Time
Australian Eastern Standard Time is 10 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.

Note:  Daylight saving is from the last Sunday in October to the first Sunday in March, clocks are advanced one hour to optimise light for evening activities.

Tipping
Tipping is not as widespread or regulated in Australia as it is in other parts of the world. Tipping is your prerogative, a reward for service. It is customary to tip hotel porters and a gratuity of about 10 per cent is usual in restaurants if good service is received. Tips for taxis are regarded as optional.

Vaccinations
A current valid international certificate of inoculation against yellow fever is required if passengers come from, or travel through, infected areas. Check this carefully with your airline or travel agent.